Halloween Safety Tips

  • On October 27, 2017 ·
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These safety tips for students, parents, children and homeowners, will help keep everyone safe and happy this Halloween.

FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS/ADULTS:

  1. Trust Your Instincts. On Halloween or any other night, if something “just doesn’t feel right” trust your instinct. Leave the party, don’t accept the drink, or just say no to whatever it is that’s making you uncomfortable.
  2. Choose Your Halloween Costume Wisely. If you’re going to dress up, be sure to wear something that you can move in. Masks and wigs can cover your eyes, impairing your vision.
  3. Watch your Drink. If you’re going to drink, do so responsibly. Never accept a drink- beer, cocktail or even water or soda – from someone you don’t know. Never leave your drink unattended. If you step away for even a few seconds, get a new one.
  4. Know your limits. You don’t have to be drunk to have a good time on Halloween.
  5. Don’t drink and drive. Never ever drink and drive. Never accept a ride from someone that has been drinking, even if they’ve “only had a couple: or say they’re “only buzzed, not drunk”
  6. Use the buddy system. Don’t go to a Halloween party without a good friend. Make a pact to arrive and leave together, and keep tabs on each other all evening. Avoid being alone with anyone you don’t know- especially if they’re in costume.
  7. Keep your phone on. Be sure your phone is fully charged before you go out fo the night and make sure the volume is turned on in case a friend is trying to reach you. Don’t let your phone out of your sight, you may need it in case of an emergency.
  8. If you see something, Say Something. Report all suspicious activity and circumstance to proper authorities. For Trinity College students Campus Safety’s number is 860-297-2222.

FOR PARENTS:

  1. Avoid masks. Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try a hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction), non-toxic make-up kit instead.
  2. Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front of costumes, so that drivers can better see your child. Alternatively, have kids use glow sticks or flashlights.
  3. Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses and long capes.
  4. Contact Info: Put your child’s name, address and phone number on his costume.Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 12, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends.
  5. Go through your child’s candy before allowing them to eat any. Never eat opened candy wrappers.

FOR CHILDREN GOING OUT WITHOUT AN ADULT:

  1. Make sure your child is in a group of at least 3 people.
  2. Give them a flashlight. A cell phone is also a good idea if you have one.
  3. Discuss in advance the route they should follow. Ask them to call you if they plan to go on a street that isn’t on the route.
  4. Set a curfew (and make sure they have a watch with them).
  5. Tell your children not to eat anything until they get home.

FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH:

  1. Carry a white bag or pillowcase for your candy, and add some reflective tape.
  2. Dress for the weather. Cold weather or water absorbent materials in the rain can be very uncomfortable.
  3. Don’t visit houses that are not well lit. Never go inside a stranger’s house.
  4. Use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
  5. Don’t criss-cross back and forth across the street. Work your way up one side of the street, and then start on the other.
  6. If you have any allergies, tell the person who is giving out the treats.
  7. Don’t eat any of your treats before you get home. Once home, ask your parents to look through your treats with you to make sure everything is okay.

FOR HOMEOWNERS:

  1. Turn on outdoor lights, and replace burnt-out bulbs.
  2. Remove items from your yard or porch that might trip a child.
  3. Sweep wet leaves from your steps and driveway.
  4. Use alternative to candles in your pumpkins, such as a flashlight or a battery-operated candle.
  5. Remember that some children have food allergies. Consider giving treats other than candy, such as stickers, erasers or a yo-yo
  6. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.